BMW leadership poker: Norbert Reithofer – the kingmaker of Munich

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Important step in the digitisation of the automotive industry

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Press Releases – Auto makers welcome conclusion of EU-Mercosur trade deal

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Automotive: EU-Mercosur deal delighting European manufacturers

The misfortune of some makes the happiness of others. Yes European farmers are worried about the consequences of a free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay), car manufacturers rejoice, hoping “Take advantage of the reduction of customs duties” provided by the text. Currently, customs tariffs on cars… Continue reading Automotive: EU-Mercosur deal delighting European manufacturers

Mobility and networking in the city of tomorrow: Daimler at the Tech Open Air in Berlin

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May I have a word about… Mercedes-Benz and its failure to own up

The shifting patterns of English Automotive industry May I have a word about… Mercedes-Benz and its failure to own up Jonathan Bouquet The German carmaker is to be fined hundreds of millions for manipulating diesel emissions but still can’t quite apologise Mercedes-Benz is an expert in corporate obfuscation. Photograph: Thomas Kienzle/AFP/Getty Images I’m not certain… Continue reading May I have a word about… Mercedes-Benz and its failure to own up

ViaVan results strong for on-demand shared transit at Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant

Published June 28, 2019 5:44 pm, Via NYC
ViaVan results strong for on-demand shared transit at Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant

28 June 2019 (Bremen, Germany) — ViaVan, the joint venture between Via, the leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, has successfully completed the pilot phase of an on-demand, dynamic corporate shuttle at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant. The service has become an integral part of the plant’s mobility offerings, having demonstrated significantly shorter waiting times and higher vehicle efficiency, despite a large increase in users, as compared to the previous corporate shuttle. The service has been so successful that ViaVan and Mercedes-Benz will be launching additional corporate campus solutions at other Mercedes-Benz plants.

“ViaVan provides shared mobility solutions that are smart, efficient, and sustainable. We’ve been able to bring corporate campus transportation into the future with proven results that our technology can reduce wait times for employees and improve transportation cost and vehicle efficiency for our partners at Mercedes-Benz Vans,” says Chris Snyder, CEO of ViaVan.

Employees at the Bremen plant can hail a Mercedez-Benz Vito directly through a smartphone app powered by Via’s technology. Via’s smart, shared algorithm seamlessly matches passengers headed in a similar direction into one shared vehicle with a guaranteed seat. Riders are provided a specific pick-up location and ETA. Average wait times for riders are 60% faster than the previous service and rider satisfaction is high, resulting in a 3x increase in usage rates.

ViaVan has also proven to be a cost-effective solution for Mercedes-Benz due to its ability to efficiently utilize vehicles for the movement of multiple passengers. This alleviates the need for additional vehicles on the road, also resulting in significantly reduced vehicle kilometers per passenger and a decline in traffic and congestion on factory premises.

“The use of ViaVan in the Bremen plant is another building block of innovative mobility offers for our workforce. With the first all-electric Mercedes-Benz from mass production, the EQC, we are moving towards the future in production. With ViaVan, we are making our internal works traffic sustainable, increasing the mobility of our employees and at the same time reducing the number of department vehicles and thus the volume of traffic on the site. It’s a great project!” Markus Keicher, site manager of the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant.

ViaVan, together with its parent Via, have been tapped by cities and transit authorities over 70 times in more than 15 countries around the world to provide on-demand public mobility solutions. ViaVan’s partnerships include powering a demand-responsive bus pilot with TfL in London, corporate campus mobility with BASF and demand-responsive bus services in the UK with Arriva and Go-Ahead.

About ViaVan:

ViaVan is a leading provider of innovative on-demand shared transit services in Europe. ViaVan was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Via, the world’s most sophisticated developer of dynamic shared rides technology, and Mercedes-Benz Vans, the leading manufacturer of iconic passenger and cargo vans. Working closely with cities and public transit operators, ViaVan powers dynamic shared mobility services that complement existing transportation infrastructure, and currently operates in London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Milton Keynes. Through their partnership, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Via are also collaborating on the development of advanced mobility solutions, from sensor technology, to electric vehicle fleet management, to autonomous driving.

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Via and Hampton Jitney launch flat-rate airport service

Published June 28, 2019 5:59 pm, Via NYC
Via and Hampton Jitney launch flat-rate airport service
Hampton Jitney riders now have affordable and convenient first-and-last mile connection to JFK and LGA

June 27, 2019 (NEW YORK)— A new partnership between Via, the leader in on-demand public transit, and Hampton Jitney beginning June 27 will make travel to-and-from the Hamptons easier and more affordable than ever with the launch of flat-rate Via airport transfers and discounted rides to Hampton Jitney stops in Manhattan.

Hampton Jitney riders will be able to book flat rate shared Via rides between LaGuardia ($24) or JFK ($29) and the Hampton Jitney Airport Connection in Queens. All local Hampton Jitney riders who book a shared Via ride to-or-from a Manhattan stop will also receive 5% off each ride.

Currently, Hampton Jitney passengers connecting through JFK and LaGuardia airports are required to find their own method of transportation for the first-and-last leg. Often times, ride-hailing prices for these routes fluctuate widely due to surge pricing from other providers, and taxis can be unavailable, creating an additional challenge for travelers. Via will also ensure that pick-up and drop-off points at the Hampton Jitney Airport Connection stop are safe, visible and convenient for an easy transition.

“At Via, we are committed to reducing single-occupancy vehicles trips in New York through smart and affordable shared transit, and our partnership with Hampton Jitney further supports this mission by providing travelers with a congestion and emission reducing ride on every leg of their trip,” said Alex Lavoie, US General Manager, Via.

“Hampton Jitney and Via both believe strongly in the shared ride principle which is the most fundamental way of reducing vehicle congestion. This partnership will allow our riders to take advantage of an integrated and cost-efficient last mile connection service not only for our airports, but also to and from our stops in Manhattan,” said Andrew Lynch, Vice President, Hampton Jitney.

How it works:

●During the booking process on the Hampton Jitney website, riders who choose one leg at the Airport Connection stop will have the option to book a flat-rate Via ride.

●After completing the booking process, riders will receive a Via promo code within their Hampton Jitney email confirmation and a reminder to download the Via app.

●After landing at JFK/LGA, or when on the Jitney approaching the Airport Connection stop, riders will book their ride with Via and enter the promo code in the “Promo Code” section of the Via app before booking a ride to-or-from these locations:

○ Westbound dropoff (to LGA/JFK): 13847 Horace Harding Expressway

○ Eastbound pickup (from LGA/JFK): 19002 Horace Harding Expressway

●Riders booking a ride to-or-from a Manhattan Jitney stop can enter the code “jitney5” in the “Promo Code” section of the Via app to receive 5% off before booking.

Via has provided more than 40 million rides in New York, and Hampton Jitney carries hundreds of thousands of riders between Eastern LI and NYC every year.

About Via:

Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform currently operates in the United States, and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to provide the most cutting edge on-demand mobility innovation.

About Hampton Jitney:

Hampton Jitney is a pioneer in the transportation field. In 1974, Hampton Jitney started with one van and a commitment to providing the finest personalized transportation service between Eastern Long Island (The Hamptons) and Metropolitan New York. Building on that simple premise, Hampton Jitney now operates a fleet of luxury motor coaches. Hundreds of thousands of people now travel each year in style and comfort, safely and on time via Hampton Jitney. Our luxury motor coach line service operates 365 days a year between Eastern Long Island and Metro New York (including airports). In addition, Hampton Jitney Charters and Tour coaches operate regularly throughout the northeastern US and Canada.

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